sensibility
has definitions from the field of physiology
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[ noun ] mental responsiveness and awareness
Used in print (John F. Hayward, "Mimesis and Symbol in the Arts"...)The images themselves , like their counterparts in experience , are not neutral qualities to be surveyed dispassionately ; they are fields_of_force exerting a unique influence on the sensibilities and a unique relatedness to one_another . When words can be used in a more fresh and primitive way so that they strike with the force of sights and sounds , when tones of sound and colors of paint and the carven shape all strike the sensibilities with an undeniable force of data in and of themselves , compelling the observer into an attitude of attention , all this imitates the way experience itself in its deepest character strikes upon the door of consciousness and clamors for entrance . (Robert E. Lane, The Liberties of Wit: Humanism, Critici...)One of the most frequent views of the value of literature is the education of sensibility that it is thought to provide . Sensibility is a vague word , covering an area of meaning rather than any precise talent , quality , or skill . Related terms |
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[ noun ] refined sensitivity to pleasurable or painful impressions
Examples "cruelty offended his sensibility" Used in print (The Rev. John A. O'Brien, "Let's Take Birth Control...)`` All_too frequently '' , points_out James_O'_Gara , managing_editor of Commonweal , `` Catholics run_roughshod over Protestant sensibilities in this matter , by failure to consider the reasoning behind the Protestant position and , particularly , by their jibes at the fact that Protestant opinion on birth_control has changed in recent decades '' . (Bell I. Wiley, "Home Letters of Johnny Reb and Billy...)Men of more delicate sensibilities referred to this condition as `` looseness_of_the_bowels '' ; but a much more common designation was `` the_sh-ts '' . Related terms |
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[ noun ] (physiology) responsiveness to external stimuli
Synonyms Examples : "sensitivity to pain" |
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